Public Transportation for Everyone
Unfinished History
Steam Railroad built by Sutro, in 1890s on California Street (at 7th Street on this picture).
When Sutro built the steam railroad, he only charged a nickel a ride because he believed in cheap public transportation. But he sold the railroad, and it was absorbed by the "Octopus" (name given to the Southern Pacific Railroad). When the company quadrupled the fare, Sutro was furious and decided to build an electric line on Clement Street charging again a nickel. Finally, the nickel fare became universal.
One of Sutro's steam locomotives.
Photos: Greg Gaar Collection, San Francisco, CA
